Small Town Spotlight: Syracuse

by Mary Jane Bogle | photos by Mike Deak, Sue Pais, Emily Worrell

“Shop. Play. Eat. Stay.” It’s a common theme for many small towns, but this mantra is perhaps nowhere more fitting than in scenic Syracuse. With its spectacular lake views, beautiful treelined streets and even a few white picket fences, this little town offers the perfect blend of lake life living and Midwestern charm. Throw in a dose of Hoosier hospitality, and it’s clear why Syracuse is a favorite regional destination.

Shop

Whether you’re looking for resale bargains, unique boutiques, or fun antiques, you’ll find what you seek at the shops in Syracuse. Decorating your home or lake cottage? Be sure to visit The Water Lily Art Gallery, which showcases local artisans, one-of-a-kind prints and custom framing. Or stop by Absolutely Apparel & Gifts, Dock Side Gifts & Apparel, or The Gift Shop at Wawasee for the perfect souvenir. Bargain hunters will fall in love with The Revolving Closet, while antique lovers can shop ‘til they drop at My Red Moon, Shops at the Grand, or Yours, Ours and Mine.

Eat

For a town of just under 3,000 people, Syracuse offers a surprising number and variety of restaurants, with everything from fast food to five-star dining and everything in between. As an added bonus, over half of the town’s restaurants are locally owned, and more than a few offer lakeside dining. Local favorites include Pat’s Chicago Dogs, Huntington Bar & Grill, Man Cave Brewing Co., The Channel Marker, Chubbie’s, and The Frog, while Kelly Jae’s Lakeside, Kiyomi, and The Pier & Back Porch round out the menu. Java lovers can take their pick from any number of coffee shops, and no trip to Syracuse in the summertime is complete without a visit to Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme.

Play

Those wanting to dive into the lake experience can explore not one but two natural lakes in Syracuse. Both Wawasee (the largest natural lake in Indiana) and Syracuse lakes are spring-fed and offer a combined 3,500 acres of water— the perfect playground for anyone who loves to fish, water or jet ski, or boat ride. Those preferring to stay on land can walk or bike to their hearts’ content on over 12 miles of trails. And with city parks and three golf courses, you’ll never run out of fun adventures just waiting to be explored!

Stay

Oakwood Retreat and Conference Center offers visitors a four-star quality inn, complete with panoramic views of Lake Wawasee and a variety of meeting spaces for groups large and small— perfect for a weekend retreat or indoor or outdoor wedding. A few miles away, visitors will find Brook Pointe Inn. Nestled among 30 acres of woods and trails, this 30-room inn offers an indoor pool, large yard, fire pit and back porch swings, making it the perfect venue for a family getaway. You can also find a number of bed and breakfast accommodations in and around Syracuse, so there’s really no reason not to start planning your next adventure in this idyllic little town.